The 2025-26 season unofficially got underway with a fun Sunday evening matchup. It featured some fun old faces between the alumni of both the Colorado Avalanche and the Denver Pioneers.

The Pios would take the win on their home ice of Magness Arena in an 8-7 final, which went through several rounds of the shootout. Pioneers alum and 2017 national champion Dylan Gambrell beat Max LaCroix, son of Eric LaCroix, behind the Avalanche bench as a coach.

For so many fans, they got to watch tons of fun and action from some of their favorite players growing up. The Avs came back in the third period thanks to a throwback to old times. Peter Forsberg and Milan Hejduk connected for a goal past Matt Davis.

Altitude TV’s John-Michael Liles had a nice time playing alongside his fellow No. 4, Tyson Barrie. Liles tallied a couple of goals in the comeback. He was so competitive that, driving to the net on one play, he paid the price.

Other notables for the Avalanche included Peter Mueller, Dan Hinote, Darren Helm, Andrew Cogliano, and Adam Foote. Joe Sakic didn’t play and declared himself on LTIR with his hip, but still took part as a coach behind the bench. DU’s side featured a lot more “younger” alumni, including Aidan Thompson, Matt Davis, and Drew Shore.

The Pios also featured several current NHL players. This included Scott Mayfield from the New York Islanders, Troy Terry from the Anaheim Ducks, and the aforementioned Gambrell. He most recently played with the Cleveland Monsters, the AHL affiliate of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Even while the attention was on the alumni, familiar faces were about. Devon Toews joined Erik Johnson and Conor McGahey in the Altitude TV booth midway through the game. Logan O’Connor was on the DU bench as well.

Plus, captain Gabriel Landeskog joined in on the fun with loud ovations and “Landy” chants. He stated he was excited to get going. With his recent return to the ice in Denver and seemingly without any restrictions, it’s no wonder he feels ready to go.

All ticket proceeds were in support of Colorado youth hockey and the unofficial start to the season. Both the Avalanche and Pioneers will turn their attention to their respective competitive squads and upcoming seasons.

This was the inaugural event of the Alumni Faceoff. With tons of success on Sunday night, there just may be more to come next summer.